MARKET RESEARCH EVALUATION OF ACTIONS TO REDUCE SUBURBAN TRAFFIC CONGESTION: COMMUTER TRAVEL BEHAVIOR AND RESPONSE TO DEMAND REDUCTION ACTIONS

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1993

Subject Area

operations - traffic, ridership - mode choice, ridership - commuting, ridership - demand, policy - congestion, economics - appraisal/evaluation, place - urban, place - low density, mode - rail, mode - subway/metro

Keywords

Travel behavior, Traffic congestion, Suburbs, Ridesharing, Railroad commuter service, Mode choice, Modal choice, Mobility, Gridlock (Traffic), Commuting, Commuter service, Commuter rail, Choice of transportation, Chicago Metropolitan Area

Abstract

This paper is directed toward obtaining a better understanding of current work trip mode choice of commuters in suburban areas and the effectiveness of alternate demand reduction actions in alleviating congestion, based on a Chicago area study. The paper is especially concenred with an evaluation of the effectiveness of demand reduction actions that encourage the use of ridesharing modes (carpool, vanpool and transit) and/or discourage the use of drive-alone auto for the work trip. A conceptual framework of current mode-choice behavior and behavioral response to demand reduction actions is developed. The empirical analysis suggests that in the midwest suburban setting, any substantial increase in ridesharing propensity appears to require a combination of ridesharing incentives in the form of increased parking costs. This analysis also suggests that ridesharing propensity is greater for women and individuals in households with fewer cars.

Comments

Transportation Research Part A Home Page: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09658564

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